In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed a “Second Bill of Rights” for all Americans that included “the right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health.” Today, although we spend more per capita on health care than any other country, 47 million Americans have no health care coverage at all and health care delivery in the U.S. is fragmented, dysfunctional, and too expensive. Those who live in rural areas and minorities are especially adversely affected by the lack of available care.
 
The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not offer its citizens some form of universal health care, and it shows. We lag behind other rich countries in life expectancy, infant mortality, prevention services, and satisfaction with our system. Quality health care should be a right of all Americans.
 
While most politicians (especially the current candidates for President) are busy promising to fix the system, some leaders are already trying. Rep. John Conyers has introduced the United States National Health Insurance Act, which would provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents.

Please email your congressperson and urge him or her to cosponsor HR 676. We must find the will to turn this important legislation into law.